Page 52 of Headed for Home

“You should’ve told me. Maybe I would’ve kissed you again.”

“And then we might not be standing here today. I’m okay with how we’ve found each other again. We’re making up for the past.” Drake’s thumbs brushes wet sorrow from my cheeks. “I know it’s not the same, but he’s still with you. Like you said, that type of bond doesn’t break. You’ve got yourself a guardian steed.”

“Yeah, I do.” Tears spill down my face and I don’t bother stemming the flow. “It’s nice to imagine that Kenzie and Charlie were miracle gifts sent to ease the ache. I stopped riding while I was pregnant, which was like a forced vacation. The break gave me a chance to heal and reset my priorities.”

My lips attempt to form a grin, but the expression barely lifts. “Once the twins were born, they were my whole world. There wasn’t time for much else but I was perfectly content. I almost left horses behind in my pre-mom life, but then Mimi passed.”

“You don’t have to keep going,” he murmurs into my hair.

“It’s okay. I’m almost done. You’ve already heard most of this stuff anyway. Greener Pastures became mine practically overnight. It’s not like I could refuse her last wishes. Nobody else would do the barn justice. If it were up to my parents or older brother, the property would’ve been signed over to Sutherland Homes.” I shudder and an icky lurch twists my stomach. “The responsibility of running the stable and managing my grief was difficult to balance. Not to mention two toddlers. It was a lot to juggle.”

“Too much,” he murmurs.

“I didn’t have time to even consider getting back into the circuit, even if I wanted to. And you pretty much know the rest.”I blow out a heavy breath, pushing the raw edges back into the shadows.

“Well, shit.” Drake drags a hand through his hair. “I’m a dick for asking and making you spill your guts on Ridge’s lawn.”

“It’s okay. I wouldn’t have told you if I didn’t want to.” My shrug is noticeably lacking enthusiasm. “And this is the awkward part where you try to console me with words, but I just need a hug.”

“Done.”

His devotion wraps me in a tight embrace, shutting out the noise and fun-tivities surrounding us. A slow, deep inhale grants me his scent and I relax against him. I’m not sure how long we stand that way. Until my emotions regulate and I can breathe without pins jabbing into my lungs.

His fingers massage my shoulders. I imagine he’s erasing tension and baggage stamped into the muscles there. Relief spreads from the area, turning me into warm putty.

“You’re not alone, Cassidy. This is a team effort. That’s why I paid off Sutherland. I want to take care of you.” His exhale pours through me. “And I’m sorry I didn’t run it by you. I should have included you in the discussion so we could figure it out together. That’s what being on a team is all about. I’m well aware you’re capable of taking care of yourself but I figured you wouldn’t mind reinforcements. Have someone else go to bat for you.”

“Good grief.” I fan my watery eyes. “You’re trouble for my composure. Where do you come up with this stuff?”

“It’s just for you, beauty.” His lips caress my forehead. “You bring out the best in me.”

If I hadn’t already thrown caution to the tumbleweeds, this would’ve done it. Drake is the type of man I wouldn’t believe actually exists in real life. But here he is, telling me everything I’ve wanted to hear. My very own Mr. Full Package Hero as if a romance author created him just for me.

“Uh-oh,” Drake mumbles suddenly.

“What’s wrong?”

“We’ve got company headed our way.”

I peel my face off his chest to take a peek. A mountain of a man escorts a petite brunette across the yard toward us. His large build towers over her smaller frame, acting as a protective shield, like she’s a priceless treasure. Based on the process of elimination, I’m betting this is Ridge and Callie.

“Yikes. We missed their entrance.” The urge to cower behind Drake trembles my thighs.

He holds me in place. “I doubt they noticed.”

“Uh-huh, sure. Ridge’s stony expression suggests otherwise.”

That observation is met with a scoff. “Don’t put too much stock into that mean mug. He always looks angry.”

“You talking about me?” The grump’s scowl hardens into steel blades as they reach us.

“Hey, Crusher. You finally made it.” Drake claps his friend on the back before waving to the brunette. “Glad you could convince him to be social for five minutes, Callie. The rest of us thank you for using that power of persuasion for the greater good.”

“Don’t be a dick,” Ridge grunts.

“That’s exactly what I told him.” I toss my hands in the air.

“Ah!” Drake’s eyes sparkle a shade of blue that should probably be taken as a warning. “This is Cassidy. She’s the one who carries my balls in her purse.”

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